DPR special committee works on island fund in island regions bill

The DPR RI special committee is discussing the mechanism for a Special Island Fund in drafting the Island Regions Bill through public input gathering in Maluku and Kepulauan Riau. The scheme is designed as an allocation outside general transfers to speed up development, strengthen interisland connectivity, and protect outermost areas without conflicting with existing laws. DPD RI said the bill’s main substance covers fiscal justice, stronger regional authority, and the management of coastal areas and small islands. Maluku Governor Hendrik Lewerissa also asked that the term “Daerah Khusus Kepulauan” be used so the character of island regions is recognized. After the input-gathering stage, discussions will continue at the first level through the List of Problem Inventory from the government and DPR factions.